Mountain Findings Awards $20,000 Impact Scholarship to Highlands High School Senior Claire Worley

 Mountain Findings Awards $20,000 Impact Scholarship to Highlands High School Senior Claire Worley

HIGHLANDS, NC — Mountain Findings, a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organization, is proud to announce Claire Worley as the recipient of the 2026 Impact Scholarship Award. Worley, a graduating senior at Highlands High School, will receive a $20,000 four-year scholarship to support her upcoming studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Impact Scholarship Award recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates financial need and a deep, firsthand understanding of the Mountain Findings mission through active volunteerism. Over the past year, Worley worked extensively alongside the organization's volunteers, assisting shoppers, moving furniture, loading vehicles, and operating the register.

Worley’s long-term career goal is to become a critical care nurse, providing vital medical services both domestically and internationally. By lessening the financial burden of higher education, Mountain Findings aims to empower students like Worley to achieve their academic goals and drive positive future change through their careers and life actions.

According to Dan Rupp, President, "We are incredibly proud to support Claire as she takes this next big step toward her dream of helping others.  She has been an invaluable asset to our volunteer team, and we know she will bring that same dedication to her nursing career."

This award is part of a broader commitment by Mountain Findings to support local youth. This year, the organization handed out $64,000 in scholarships to Highlands High School seniors. Additionally, Mountain Findings continues to endow approximately $40,000 in scholarships to past recipients to support them through the completion of their degrees.

About Mountain Findings:

Mountain Findings is a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the local community and investing in the future of area students through financial aid, ongoing scholarships, and financial support in college, trades, certification, and technology programs.

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Mountains Findings Membership Elects Board of Directors

 

PRESS RELEASE 08-22-2025

Mountain Findings membership elected the following board members to serve for the 2025-2026 term during their annual meeting: from left to right, Dan Rupp, Vice-President; Delaine Mehder; Lisa Burgess, Secretary; Beth Townes, Treasurer; John Warner; DeeDee Thompson; Amy Cooper, Co-President; and Cal Isaacs, Co-President. 

The board, in collaboration with committees, is responsible for overseeing the annual allocation of community grant awards and high school senior scholarships, as well as managing donations, volunteers, and the Mountain Findings Thrift Store. 

Cal Isaacs stated, “I’m proud to be part of a community that supports so many non-profit organizations and graduating high school seniors with scholarships, all achieved through a 100% volunteer force and 100% community donated items for close to 60 years. Nearly $460,000 in grants and scholarships awarded in 2025 - truly amazing!”

To learn more about how to donate gently used furniture and housewares to support Mountain Findings’ mission, visit www.MountainFindings.org, call 828-526-9929 or drop by the thrift store at 452 Spruce St., Highlands, NC.  Open to the public every Thursday-Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm until November. 

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Mountain Findings Awards $51,000 in Scholarships

 PRESS RELEASE (05-12-2025)

MOUNTAIN FINDINGS THRIFT STORE 

Focus on certifications, trades, and 2-year degrees highlighted $51,000 in scholarships awarded

For nearly 60 years, Mountain Findings in Highlands, NC has been dedicated to enriching our local communities. This year, Mountain Findings proudly recognize thirteen outstanding graduating seniors with a total of $51,000 in scholarships, celebrating their achievements and fueling their future endeavors.

Jill Helmer, president, highlighted a significant focus on this year's awards, which proudly recognized seniors pursuing careers in the trades, certification programs, and 2-year degrees. 

• Caleb Burrell

• Brooklynn Petrone

• Aislynn Wyatt-Luck

• Emily Craig

• Gabriela Diaz-Martinez

• Shirley Diaz-Ovando

• Mallory Shriver

• Max Deppe

• Katie Earp

• Carson Forrester

• Yasmin Mendoza Cortez

• Rea Miller

• Finn Garner

Mountain Findings is honored to recognize a senior who has demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to their community. Finn Garner, who has volunteered at Mountain Findings for nearly three years, embodies the spirit of community and commitment that drives the 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution, Mountain Findings proudly awarded Finn Garner a $20,000 scholarship to support his college career, empowering him to continue making a positive impact.

A heartfelt gratitude goes to all the donors, volunteers, and patrons, whose generosity has made this possible.

Mountain Findings is a 501(c)3 organization that accepts donations of gently used furniture, housewares, artwork, and other miscellaneous items. The funds raised are allocated toward scholarships and community enrichment grants to nonprofit organizations. For more information, please visit www.MountainFindings.org.

Donations may be dropped off at 452 Spruce Street, Highlands location or call 828-526-9929 to arrange for a pickup.

(Lf to Rt) Board members John Warner and Jill Helmer, along with scholarship committee member Steve Parnell, present Finn Garner with a $20,000 scholarship to support his pursuit of a degree in Construction Management from Western Carolina University.

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Mountain Finding Pledges $35,000 to local food pantry to help fight food insecurity

PRESS RELEASE (10-09-2024)

MOUNTAIN FINDINGS THRIFT STORE

Mountain Findings is pledging 100 percent of this week&'s sales to help fight food insecurity in our area due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. The Board of Directors of Mountain Findings recently met to discuss ways to assist those affected in Western North Carolina after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. They have decided to focus on their long-standing partnership with local non-profits that support those in need within the community.

Jill Helmer, President of Mountain Findings, and the board recognize that food insecurity is an ever-growing concern. Due to the catastrophic flooding that led to the loss of the Mountain Area Nutritional Needs Alliance (MANNA Foodbank), a member of Feeding America located in Asheville, North Carolina, the link between the food industry and over 200 partner food pantries have been severed.

One of the recipients of MANNA is the Highlands Emergency Council (EC), and the impact of this loss could devastate the non-profit, which provides meals to individuals and families in need.

Helmer stated, "Without a key partner like MANNA, Highlands Emergency Council is forced to purchase food staples at a much higher cost than through the MANNA coalition. Over the years, Mountain Findings and EC have developed a community partnership, a trusted alliance that has positively impacted so many."

This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 10, 11, and 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mountain Findings will donate 100 percent of its sales toward reaching its target goal of $35,000 to assist EC in purchasing food for our low-income residents, senior citizens, young families, and single-parent families.

Whether patrons spend $1 or $1000 at Mountain Findings, every penny will go to EC. Additionally, if patrons decide to donate above the purchase price, 100 percent of the donation will go to EC.

It's important to note that Mountain Findings has only been successful because of our generous donors of slightly used housewares, home goods, and furniture, as well as our patrons shopping, who have collectively helped us raise nearly $6 million in over 50 years.

This has been put back into our community and surrounding areas through grants and high school senior scholarships. If you decide to help but not purchase anything, you can drop off your check, cash, or use your credit card to donate – it will all go to the Emergency Council. 100 percent!

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Thrift Store Proceeds Help 31 Highlands Area Non-Profits

PRESS RELEASE (07-24-2024)

MOUNTAIN FINDINGS 

Thrift Store Proceeds Help 31 Highlands Area Non-Profits

Mountain Findings, Highlands’ Community Thrift Store, distributed $369,000 this week to 31 non-profit organizations serving the needs of the Plateau.  Earlier this year, another $50,000 of the store’s earnings went for scholarships for graduating seniors at Highlands High School.   Taken together, these contributions represent 90 percent of the store’s 2024 earnings. 

With no payroll or mortgage, Mountain Findings’ 65 volunteers turned their sweat equity into grants that strengthen the Highlands-Cashiers, NC community, especially for the economically distressed or disadvantaged, including animals.

“We receive hundreds of lightly used items each week,” says Board President Jill Helmer.  “Our volunteers sort, clean, and price the items quickly and efficiently.  Those items with high appeal are posted to the Mountain Findings Facebook page each Wednesday, showing shoppers what’s available and building excitement for Thursday’s opening.”

Mountain Findings assists organizations in these areas:

• Human welfare
• Youth Enrichment
• ​Conservation and the Environment
• Animal welfare
• Cultural Enrichment
• Civic engagement
• Public Safety
• 
  

The 2024 grant recipients include:

Appalachian Animal Rescue Center

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC

Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic

Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau

Carpe Diem Farms

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers

Counseling Center of Highlands

Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad

Highlands Emergency Council

International Friendship Center

Highlands Historical Society

PAC Educational Theatre

Highlands Plateau Greenway

Highlands School Athletic Booster Club

Highlands School Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Highlands School Parent-Teacher Organization

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

Highlands Cashiers Players

Literacy and Learning Center

Magnolia Mission

Mainspring Conservation Trust

PAWSITIVE Shelter Volunteers of Macon County

Peggy Crosby Community Service Center

REACH of Macon County

Sky Valley-Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue

The Gordon Center for Children

Town of Highlands Recreation Department

Wreaths Across America, Highlands

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Mountain Findings Community Thrift Store is Looking for Donations

Photo Provided by Mountain Findings.

 
PRESS RELEASE (02-28-2024)
MOUNTAIN FINDINGS

Spring Cleaning Alert!

Is your home bursting at the seams with items you no longer need or love? At Mountain Findings in Highlands, North Carolina, we believe your unwanted items can become someone else's treasures!

As a non-profit thrift store, we specialize in giving furniture and housewares a second life. All proceeds from your generous donations support local grants and scholarships, making a difference right here in our community.

Easy Pick-Up Service

No need to worry about how you'll get your items to us! Give us a call at (828) 526-9929, and we'll schedule a convenient pick-up from your home.

Drop-Off Anytime

Got your items ready to go? Drop them off 24/7 at our store located at 432 Spruce Street, Highlands.

Email Us

Prefer to reach out electronically? No problem! Email us at MountainFindings1@gmail.comand we'll get back to you.

So, why wait? Let’s make this spring cleaning season meaningful. Declutter, donate, and make a difference with Mountain Findings today! Call (828) 526-9929 or visit us at www.MountainFindings.org

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Mountain Findings Takes Action for Fire Safety with Highlands Fire Department

PRESS RELEASE (01-18-2024)

MOUNTAIN FINDINGS

As part of our commitment to the safety of our volunteers and visitors, Mountain Findings recently invited the Highlands Fire Department to conduct a fire safety review. 

The fire department demonstrated how to properly use a fire extinguisher using the PASS technique, an easy-to-remember method for fire extinguisher use. PASS stands for PULL the pin, AIM the nozzle, SQUEEZE the handle, and SWEEP the nozzle back and forth at the  base of the fire. Our volunteers even got the opportunity to use this technique first-hand, practicing with the fire extinguishers under the guidance of trained professionals.

In addition to our training, we have also upgraded our safety measures in both of our buildings. Brand new fire extinguishers have been strategically located throughout, with clear signage indicating their location. We have also taken care to ensure these essential safety devices are installed at an accessible height.

To further bolster our commitment to safety, first-aid kits will be installed above the sinks in our annex and cottage. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Highlands Fire Department for their time, expertise, and dedication to community safety. 

Mountain Findings remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all. Together with the guidance of local safety professionals, we continue to take proactive measures in fire safety and emergency preparedness. 

We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the PASS technique, a key tool for preventing the spread of small fires. Remember: the key to fire safety is preparedness. By taking these steps now, we hope to never need them in the future.

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Office Supply. Visit their store at 161 Highlands Road in Franklin or check out their website.

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Mountain Findings Donates to Combat Food Insecurity

PRESS RELEASE (12-12-2023)
MOUNTAIN FINDINGS

Community partner Mountain Findings has extended a significant donation to the Highlands Emergency Council (EC) as a part of their social impact initiative.

The donation facilitated the purchase of a new food storage refrigeration unit for EC, allowing the council to provide fresh, nutritious food boxes to the region’s food-disadvantaged population. The funds also went toward upgrading several windows in the EC building to high-efficiency models, making for a safer, more sustainable environment for both EC volunteers and beneficiaries.

Highlands Emergency Council's Vice President, Marie Johnson, expressed her gratitude, highlighting how such private donations stretch federal, state, and local funds, thereby increasing their ability to serve the community. Johnson along with 14 other volunteers, oversees the monthly distribution of food boxes to nearly 400 families. Additionally, the council is committed to serving those in need beyond food support by also providing heating fuel, furniture, housewares, and clothing.

Mountain Findings’ President, Jill Helmer, echoed Johnson's sentiments. She affirmed the empowering effect of assisting others, stressing that their organization prioritizes projects with significant social impact – specifically ones targeting human welfare. Helmer, further expresses, “that working alongside Highlands Emergency Council reflects a conscious, systemic, and sustainable approach to local community needs.”

This act is representative of the strategic mission to address disparities within the healthcare field. By improving access to nutritious meals, both organizations are aiming to positively influence several health factors including improved activity levels, maternal health, immune system function, and the reduction of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

To learn more about the ongoing efforts and initiatives of Mountain Findings, please visit their website at www.MoutainFindings.org.

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